However, the concern is the one he has endorsed is, at best, at the very far left of the political spectrum. That would be fine but the general still claims to be Republican. How can that be, General? Endorse whomever you wish, but please do not insult the intelligence of those in the Republican Party that still do embrace the party platform and principles of limited government intrusion in our lives. – Wayne Parkola, Fallbrook

President Obama has been endorsed by three world leaders: Cuba’s Castro, Russia’s Putin and Venezuela’s Hugo Chávez. They are so proud of Obama’s achievements that they felt it necessary to share their “happiness” with us.

Obama’s achievements:

• 23 million unemployed or underemployed Americans.

• 47 million on food stamps.

• $4,500 drop in household income.

• $5.5 trillion of new debt.

• $716 billion in Medicare cuts.

• $2.6 trillion for Obamacare.

• $1.9 trillion in new taxes in Obama’s budget.

• 100 percent increase in gas prices.

Are Americans ready to join in with the dictators and keep on letting this outrage continue? The cure to this disease is Romney/Ryan. – Marie Doyle, Vista

The Oct. 18 editorial renewing the U-T editorial board’s pledge to oil (“Obama and energy: reality vs. rhetoric”) was so reminiscent of arguments of the last 40 years. Per the board, all we need to do is let the private sector find more oil and all our problems are solved. Such lame thinking ignores both the non-renewability of oil, and the tragedies in our country’s history that our dependence on oil has caused.

In the ’70s, there were outcries to prevent our dependence on oil and push Detroit and all citizens to reduce energy use. Unfortunately, the lame thinkers like those on the U-T editorial board pushed for more oil at any cost and won over the issue. The result was huge demands for oil that fund terrorists, that cause unnecessary wars and result in dead and wounded American soldiers.

Ignoring history, the “head stuck in the sand” U-T [editorial] board wants still more oil in an attempt to bow the country down again to their God, oil. They refute attempts to build renewable sources and jobs they create in favor of oil jobs. History has not taught them a thing. I just hope they can see the blood on their hands from the next oil war our country could avoid. – Kevin Northcraft, Downtown San Diego

As a percentage of national income, Americans are taxed at a lower rate now than at any time since the 1940s. Yet Mr. Romney proposes to reduce taxes for the wealthy an additional 20 percent and cut back on programs for the poorest among us to help make up the difference. This just doesn’t seem right to me. – Cliff McReynolds, La Jolla